Septic Systems & Liquid Waste

Septic & Well Records Request - Click here

Northern Nevada Public Health Environmental Health Services (EHS) division has regulatory authority over sewage and wastewater disposal within Washoe County.  The regulations cover residential on-site sewage disposal systems (septics), sewage and wastewater pumping contractors,  non-sewered toilet operators (portable toilets) and waste water dump stations.  The division also responds to complaints of improper sewage releases that could expose the public to risk.  

Commercial septic systems do not fall under EHS authority by state statute; contact Nevada Division of Environmental Protection Bureau of Water Pollution Control for commercial septic permitting.

 

Regulations

Changes to the Regulations of the Washoe County District Board of Health Governing Sewage, Wastewater and Sanitation were approved and adopted on January 22, 2026 by the District Board of Health. The final version of the regulations can be found here:  SWS Regulations  

New Septic Design and Planning

Development of properties that will be served by a septic system are required to undergo a design process to ensure that effluent discharge will not impact groundwater or create a public exposure risk. 

Test Trench

The first step in the planning process of a new residential septic system is a test trench inspection. During this inspection, EHS staff will look for limiting layers, perform a simple soil profile, and determine if percolation tests of the soil are needed.   A licensed engineer would perform any such required percolation testing.

Test Trench permit applications must be submitted via the online permitting portal Onenv.us. Refer to the Test Trench Permit Application Requirements  (available here in Spanish) for specifics on what is needed for a test trench permit and how to construct the trench. Once a test trench has been inspected, EHS staff will issue a report outlining ideal septic system type, soil profile, property limitations or concerns. The test trench report will become part of the permanent record for the property.

New Septic Systems

New septic designs must be permitted along with the Building Permit for the building it will serve. EHS staff review Building Permits alongside all other agencies and will conduct a site visit for every permit application. Refer to the Septic System Permit Application Requirements (available here in Spanish) for the minimum requirements for all septic related building permits. Additional items may be required based on site conditions. There is a 14 day plan review turn around time for all new septic systems.

Septic tank Replacements, Abandonments, and Repairs

Septic tank replacements, abandonments, and repairs must be submitted via the online permitting portal Onenv.us. Refer to the Septic System Permit Application Requirements (available here in Spanish) for the minimum requirements for all septic related building permits. Additional items may be required based on site conditions. There is a 7 day plan review turn around time for septic tank replacements, abandonments, and repairs.

 

Building on Properties Served by Septic

EHS also reviews all building permits for property build outs (e.g. additions, garages, barns) on properties served by septic to ensure the existing septic is not impacted and that sufficient space remains for future replacement of the disposal field. Refer to the Septic System Permit Application Requirements (available here in Spanish) for the minimum requirements for all building permits for properties served by septic. Additional items may be required based on site conditions.

When a septic system does fail, a similar process is used to permit a replacement disposal field.  

 

*** UPCOMING TRAININGS***

What Real Estate Professionals Need to Know about Properties Served by Septic or Well in Washoe County 

Upcoming Training Sessions: 

Monday April 13, 2026 @ 3:00 PM         NNPH Conference Rooms A & B, 1001 E. Ninth Street, Reno, 89512

Monday July 13, 2026 @ 3:00 PM          NNPH Conference Rooms A & B, 1001 E. Ninth Street, Reno, 89512

Click here to register for this free training.

 

Septic System Resources

• Regulations of the Washoe County District Board of Health Governing Sewage, Wastewater, and Sanitation
• Septic System Permit Application Requirements (available here in Spanish)
• Test Trench Permit Application Requirements (available here in Spanish)
• Accessory Dwelling Unit and Guest Quarters FAQ's (available here in Spanish)
• Water & Sanitary Sewer Financial Assistance Program (WC Community Services Department)
• Septic System Plan Review Fees

 

Contact the Program

Latricia Lord, REHS - Septic Systems, Domestic Wells, Public Water Systems
Senior Environmental Health Specialist
llord@nnph.org 
(775) 328-2689

David Kelly, REHS - Parcel Maps, Septic Systems, Domestic Wells, Public Water Systems, and Liquid Waste Haulers
Environmental Health Specialist Supervisor
dakelly@nnph.org 
(775) 846-6623

General email
HealthEHS@nnph.org